Make your home ready for an earthquake

Teach everybody in the family how to turn off the water and electricity.

Clearly label the on-off position for the water, electricity and gas.

If your home is equipped with natural gas: tie or tape the appropriate wrench on or near the pipe, to turn off the gas, if necessary. (Don’t shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. If the gas is turned off, don’t turn it on again. That must be done by a qualified technician.)

Teach everybody in the family how to use a fire extinguisher.

If you live in an apartment block or a multi-storey building, you may experience more sway and less shaking than in a smaller, single-storey building.

Work with your building manager or condominium board to decide how best to “quake-safe” your unit.

Seek advice from professionals (building engineers, architects, emergency preparedness authorities) if you are unsure about what to do.